Four From Kearney, Missouri, Hospitalized After I-35 Crash in Northwood Work Zone

NORTHWOOD, Iowa — Four people from Kearney, Missouri, were hospitalized, including one airlifted, after a two-vehicle crash Thursday in a highway work zone on Interstate 35 near mile marker 212, according to the Iowa State Patrol.

The crash was reported at 4:52 p.m. Thursday as both vehicles were traveling northbound on I-35 into a work zone, the Iowa State Patrol said.

A 2010 Chevrolet Silverado, driven by a 31-year-old man from Wells, Minnesota, began merging and slowing down, according to the crash report. A 2026 Volkswagen Taos, driven by a 37-year-old man from Kearney, Missouri, attempted to pass the Silverado and struck its rear driver-side bumper, the report said.

The Volkswagen then entered the median and rolled several times, according to the Iowa State Patrol.

No injuries were reported in the Silverado. All four occupants of the Volkswagen were injured and taken to MercyOne Mason City, officials said.

The driver, 37, and a 33-year-old passenger, both of Kearney, were transported by Northwood EMS and Forest City EMS, respectively. A 6-year-old passenger was also taken by Forest City EMS. A 13-year-old passenger was airlifted by MercyOne Air Med, according to the report.

All four occupants of the Volkswagen were wearing seatbelts. The Iowa State Patrol credited seatbelt use with saving the lives of the driver, the 33-year-old passenger and the 6-year-old passenger. Seatbelt-related survival information was not listed for the 13-year-old passenger.

The crash remains under investigation by Trooper Wiegmann of the Iowa State Patrol’s Post 8. Troopers were assisted by the Worth County Sheriff’s Office and Forest City-area responders.